Let’s take a quick look at what’s popular! America’s popular bands
Researching American bands!
From popular acts to genreless, timeless picks, we’ve got you covered.
Country, alternative, surf rock, jazz, hard rock, and metal—there’s a wide range of sounds to explore.
If you’re someone who “loves bands that radiate an American spirit” or wants to “dig into sounds rooted in the U.
S.
,” this is for you.
You can also scan from the top like a popularity ranking, so we hope it helps anyone doing their research.
Now, please enjoy.
- Most Popular Western Music Bands Ranking [2025]
- The Greatest American Rock Band [All Time Best]
- Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]
- Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands
- Western Rock Music Popularity Ranking [2025]
- Cool Western music bands. Recommended overseas bands that will get you pumped just by listening.
- America’s Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
- Popular Western Girls' Bands Ranking [2025]
- Western pop music popular with Gen Z. Hit songs.
- A Western punk band: immortal legends who carry on the fiery spirit.
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 50s [2025]
- Recommended Western alternative rock bands that connect to the modern rock scene
- A leading example of overseas grunge bands: from Nirvana to Alice in Chains.
Let’s quickly check what’s hot! Popular American Bands (61–70)
CentrefoldThe J. Geils Band
Included on the 1981 album “Freeze Frame.” A six-piece band from Massachusetts formed in 1967 around J.
Geils, they found success in the 1980s as their sound evolved from its blues-rock roots.
The band came to an end with J.
Geils’s death.
I Love Playin’ With FireThe Runaways
The Runaways are an all-female rock band from the United States.
Formed in 1975, the group became legendary with members like Joan Jett and Lita Ford.
Their 1977 single “Cherry Bomb” was a major hit.
They were especially popular in Japan and released four studio albums.
Their energetic performances and the distinctive personalities of each member were a big part of their appeal.
Although they disbanded in 1978, Joan Jett and Lita Ford went on to successful solo careers.
As pioneers who expanded the possibilities for women in rock, they are still loved by many fans today.
Highly recommended if you enjoy rock brimming with American spirit!
Pale blue eyesThe Velvet Underground
The American rock band The Velvet Underground, formed in New York City in 1964, was an innovative presence.
Centered around Lou Reed, their fusion of rock and the avant-garde did not translate into commercial success at the time, but it had a tremendous impact on the rock scene that followed.
Their debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico, released in 1967, is now regarded as a legendary masterpiece.
In 1993, the original members reunited, thrilling fans.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy experimental sounds and provocative lyrics, or who want to explore rock history.
Their music continues to influence countless artists across generations.
Free Fallin’Tom Petty
An American singer-songwriter who rose to success in the late ’70s with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and went on to achieve worldwide popularity as a solo artist from the late ’80s.
He is also known as a member of the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, the covert band he formed with top-tier artists George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison.
Continuously creating songs that embodied the conscience of American rock, Tom Petty remained active until his death in 2017.
It’s hard to pick just one track from his discography, but to start, I recommend “Refugee,” released in 1979 under Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers—a rock-charged smash hit!
Blind in TexasW.A.S.P.
Included on the 1985 album “The Last Command.” A trio from Los Angeles formed in 1982, they are known for their provocative performances—one of their trademarks—as illustrated by the anecdote that their debut single contained banned words and therefore could not be released by an American record label.
Gimme All Your Lovin’ZZ Top
Hailing from Texas, they are a rock trio that represents the American South.
You’ve probably seen the two frontmen’s signature look at least once—the impressive beards and hats.
Since forming in 1969, they’ve never undergone a lineup change, making them a rare band.
While their music is rooted in down-to-earth, rugged American rock, it actually embraces many genres, and from the 1980s onward they eagerly incorporated new elements such as synthesizers.
To start, why not listen to their massive hit album Eliminator, released in 1983, which brought them worldwide success?
Blitzkrieg BopThe Ramones
The Ramones, who led the American punk rock scene.
Formed in New York in 1974, they released their debut album, Ramones, in 1976.
Their music is characterized by simple, catchy songs, many of which are short—around two minutes long—which is part of their appeal.
Their fifth album, End of the Century, released in 1979, became the biggest hit in the band’s history.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and ranked 26th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
They had a major impact on the punk movement as a whole and are especially highly regarded in the UK and South America.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel that all-American spirit.